If knee pain from arthritis is limiting your life, genicular artery embolization (GAE) may be the solution you need. Performed by Dr. Gabriel Lipshutz and Dr. Jonathan Steinberger at DOCS Interventional Medicine, this minimally invasive procedure helps reduce inflammation and pain without surgery. If you’re struggling with knee arthritis, we help you move comfortably again.
Relieve chronic knee pain without surgery or drugs
Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive knee arthritis treatment in Beverly Hills that relieves chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. Over time, arthritis leads to increased blood flow and inflammation in the knee, contributing to pain and stiffness. Dr. Steinberger and Dr. Lipshutz use advanced imaging to target and reduce this excess blood flow, alleviating pain without the need for surgery. GAE is performed through a small pinhole incision, offering a faster recovery and long-lasting relief for those seeking an alternative to knee replacement.
What does genicular artery embolization treat?
Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is used to treat chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. As arthritis progresses, increased blood flow to the knee joints leads to inflammation, swelling, and persistent discomfort. By reducing this excess blood flow, GAE helps relieve pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall quality of life. If you’re experiencing symptoms that make everyday activities difficult, this procedure may provide the relief you need.
GAE can help with these symptoms:
- Persistent knee pain that worsens with activity
- Swelling and warmth around the knee joint
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting
- Pain that interferes with sleep
- Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods
- Limited range of motion due to discomfort
How does genicular artery embolization work?
Genicular artery embolization (GAE), a knee arthritis treatment in Beverly Hills, targets the inflamed blood vessels that contribute to knee pain. Using advanced imaging, Dr. Lipshutz and Dr. Steinberger guide a tiny catheter through a small incision in the leg to reach the genicular arteries. Microscopic particles are then injected to reduce excessive blood flow, decreasing inflammation and pain. By restoring balance in the knee’s circulation, GAE provides long-lasting relief without surgery, helping you move more comfortably with minimal downtime and no hospital stay.
Advantages of knee arthritis treatment:
- Minimally invasive, performed through a tiny pinhole incision
- No general anesthesia required, allowing for a quicker recovery
- Outpatient procedure, so you go home the same day
- Significant pain relief, often within weeks
- No implants or surgical hardware, reducing long-term complications
- Lower risk than knee surgery, with fewer side effects
- Faster recovery, allowing you to return to daily activities sooner
- Effective alternative to knee replacement for those not ready for surgery
- Can be repeated if needed for long-term relief
What is recovery like after GAE?
Since GAE is a minimally invasive procedure, you’ll go home the same day with only a small bandage—no stitches required. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days, with discomfort typically improving over the following weeks. You may experience mild soreness at the catheter site, but this resolves quickly. There’s no lengthy rehabilitation or hospital stay. Dr. Steinberger and Dr. Lipshutz will guide you through recovery to ensure the best results.
Genicular artery embolization FAQs
How long does the procedure take?
Genicular artery embolization (GAE) typically takes about one to two hours. The exact time depends on your anatomy and the severity of inflammation. Since it’s a minimally invasive procedure, there’s no need for general anesthesia, and you can go home the same day.
Is genicular artery embolization painful?
Most patients experience little to no discomfort during the procedure. Dr. Lipshutz and Dr. Steinberger use a local anesthetic to numb the area where the catheter is inserted. Some mild soreness may occur afterward, but it’s usually minimal and resolves quickly.
When will I start feeling pain relief?
Many patients notice improvement within a few weeks, while others may take up to a month to feel the full benefits. The goal of GAE is to gradually reduce inflammation and pain over time.
How long do the results last?
Studies show that the pain relief from genicular artery embolization can last several years. Since the procedure treats the underlying inflammation, its effects can be long-term. If knee pain returns, GAE can be safely repeated as needed.
Am I a good candidate for GAE?
GAE is ideal for individuals with knee osteoarthritis who experience chronic pain despite medications, physical therapy, or injections. If you’re not ready for knee replacement surgery or want a minimally invasive treatment without opioids, GAE may be right for you.
Schedule your consultation for knee arthritis treatment in Beverly Hills
DOCS Interventional Medicine is built on a foundation of expertise, innovation, and compassionate care. Led by Dr. Jonathan Steinberger and Dr. Gabriel Lipshutz, we specialize in minimally invasive, image-guided procedures that provide effective relief with lower risk and faster recovery than traditional surgery. If knee arthritis pain is limiting your mobility, Beverly Hills knee arthritis treatment could be the solution you need. Schedule your consultation today to explore how GAE can help you move freely again.
